mwoky Thanks for the reply. don't know how to wire "circurt breakers" what kind to use, .Can i use "suitcase connectors " for 18 gauge braided wire to i4 gauge solid wire.
Thanks for the reply. don't know how to wire "circurt breakers" what kind to use, .Can i use "suitcase connectors " for 18 gauge braided wire to i4 gauge solid wire.
As you might imagine, there's always "more than one way to skin the cat". Therefore, much of what you are asking is somewhat related to what you want to accomplish. There is no "right way" per se'. But there are infinite wrong ways. The two books I mentioned are rather recent and pretty much up to date on current practices.
Circuit breakers are usually part of the DCC booster (and sometimes power supply - if it is a larger one like Digitrax PS2012 which has both temperature and current protection).
There are also many "how to" videos here on Model Railroader and YouTube.
Another alternative is to join or visit a local model railroad club. There's always plenty of experience available & you might meet a few new friends that are nearby to help.
If your electrical experience & knowledge are limited it's best to take a look at what you've done, and compare it with the books and videos to make sure you haven't overlooked something that you might need to do what you want in the future.
As far as circuit breakers go, there's nothing special going on here. Even a car tail light lamp can be used as a fuse/circuit breaker. The "easy" albeit expensive way would be to have a separate booster for each track. But what I think you're really talking about are power districts or subdistricts. Products like Digitrax PM42 or NCE EB3 will accomplish this. And there are install instructions that come with it.
The best part is, there's nothing written in stone. Any of it can be ripped out, changed or upgraded.
Another book: Basic DCC Wiring for Your Model Railroad by Mike Polsgrove.
Thanks for the Reply
In its simplest form (one one promoted by most DCC propaganda) DCC for the most part only needs "two wires". Howver, IMO there are substantial benefits to installing the track with blocks just as you would with DC. This would be beneficial for muliple power districts/circuit breakered sections of the layout, isolating/trouble shooting issues, signaling, etc.
Get Wiring Your Model Railroad by Larry Puckett and The DCC Guide - How To Select and Use Your Command Control System by Don Fiehmann, both are Model Railroader books from Kalmbach Publishing.
I am building a large layout and need some solid advice on how to wire it for ddc, how to install circurte breakers,_ it will have 3 different lines, -how to wire swithes,
I hve used bachman easy track for the main lines and code 83 flex tack and paco switches for sideings and yards.
I would like someone who is knowledgeable in wireing to come see the layout and then advise me on what to do and HOW to DO IT.
Thanks for ant replys
mike